MDS Transmodal
MDS Transmodal is a UK-based transport economics consultancy founded in 1988 that provides quantitative freight modelling, forecasting, and strategic advice to governments, port authorities, shipping lines, and supranational bodies including UNCTAD and the World Bank.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1988
- HeadquartersChester, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What MDS Transmodal does
MDS Transmodal is a UK-based transport economics consultancy founded in 1988 and headquartered in Chester, operating with 11–50 staff. The firm provides strategic advice to public-sector and commercial clients on freight, ports, rail, road, air and maritime transport, grounded in quantitative modelling and sectoral expertise. Its core clients include the UK Department for Transport, Network Rail, the European Commission (DG MOVE and DG Competition), UNCTAD, the World Bank, EBRD, major port operators such as Associated British Ports and Kenya Ports Authority, shipping lines including Hapag-Lloyd, and infrastructure owners such as Heathrow Airport and Highways England.
The firm's competitive position is built on a stack of proprietary datasets and freight transport models accumulated over 35+ years. The Great Britain Freight Model (GBFM), the main freight model used in Great Britain for over 20 years, was rebased in 2026 to a post-Covid/post-Brexit 2024 baseline covering ~7,000 geographic zones for road and rail. The Containership Databank tracks 6,000+ container vessels globally; the World Cargo Database underpins global trade-flow analysis. Supporting models include the European Container Port Demand Model, the End-to-End Container Cost Model, the Ireland Freight Model, the GBFM eHGV Charging Infrastructure Module, and the BAF Calculator web app. MDS Transmodal co-develops the Port Liner Shipping Connectivity Index with UNCTAD, contributes data to the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index, and co-developed the Maritime Trade Connectivity Indicator with the OECD/International Transport Forum.
The firm operates as a professional-services consultancy on bespoke project-based engagements (no disclosed pricing), with a relationship-driven go-to-market targeting senior decision-makers in government, ports and terminals, shipping lines, financial institutions, transport operators and distribution-park developers. Revenue comes from forecasts, due diligence, transport modelling, market and feasibility studies, public policy analysis, and capacity analysis. Marketing is anchored on thought-leadership content (viewpoint articles, webinars, case studies) and presentations at industry events, with a recent commercial push via the addition of senior associates Mark Grimshaw-Smith and Geoff Lippitt to deepen capabilities for commercial freight and logistics clients.
MDS Transmodal firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MDS Transmodal
- Legal name
- MDS Transmodal Limited
- Website
- https://mdst.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1988
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- MDS Transmodal is a UK-based transport economics consultancy founded in 1988 that provides quantitative freight modelling, forecasting, and strategic advice to governments, port authorities, shipping lines, and supranational bodies including UNCTAD and the World Bank.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
MDS Transmodal industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Transport Economics Consulting
- NAICS
- Support Activities for Transportation (488)
- SIC
- Transportation Services (4700)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Port Data Exchange / Data Space & Master Data Management (MDM) (TLAHAOAO)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Sustainability & Emissions Analytics for Logistics (CO2e, Fuel, ESG) (TLAEAKAI)
Keywords
Where MDS Transmodal is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chester
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
MDS Transmodal business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Strategic Consultancy Services: MDS Transmodal provides strategic advice to businesses and public bodies based on quantitative analysis, modelling and sectoral expertise. Revenue is generated through consulting engagements for transport economics projects including forecasts, due diligence, transport modelling, planning, market and feasibility studies, public policy analysis, and capacity analysis.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels6 records
MDS Transmodal product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MDS Transmodal is a transport economics consultancy that provides strategic advice to government, ports, shipping lines, financial institutions, and other organisations through quantitative analysis and modelling. Its core assets include the Great Britain Freight Model (GBFM), the Containership Databank covering over 6,000 vessels, the World Cargo Database, and specialised freight demand and port demand models, which together underpin services in forecasting, due diligence, transport modelling, planning, market and feasibility studies, public policy analysis, and capacity analysis.
Product overview
MDS Transmodal is a firm of transport economists offering a portfolio of proprietary data products, analytical models, and consulting services. The core product is the Great Britain Freight Model (GBFM), a freight transport demand simulation model, which serves as the platform for specialized modules such as the eHGV Charging Infrastructure Module. Supporting data products include the Containership Databank (covering 6,000+ container vessels), World Cargo Database (trade flow analysis), End-to-End Container Cost Model, and European Container Port Demand Model. These are complemented by consulting services including forecasts, due diligence, transport modelling, market and feasibility studies, public policy analysis, and capacity analysis. The company also offers sector-specific expertise across ports, rail, containers, ferries, and road transport.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- GBFM (Great Britain Freight Model): The main freight transport demand simulation model in use in Great Britain for over 20 years, used for forecasting and scenario development.
- Containership Databank
- World Cargo Database (WCD)
- GBFM eHGV Charging Infrastructure Module
Products and services
- Great Britain Freight Model (GBFM) A freight transport demand simulation model for Great Britain covering road freight, rail freight and port throughput. The model contains origin-destination data for approximately 7,000 geographic zones and uses modal cost models to explain freight movements between origin-destination pairs; it has been the main freight model in use in Great Britain for over 20 years.
- GBFM eHGV Charging Infrastructure Module A module of GBFM that assesses the demand, electricity requirements, and profitability of a network of electric HGV charging hubs around Great Britain. Models scenarios including the number of charging hubs, chargers, and capacity needed for full fleet electrification.
- Containership Databank A comprehensive database covering the world's container carrying fleet of over 6,000 vessels based on known service deployment. Tracks every vessel in service with multiple fields including operator, service, route, TEU capacity, service frequency, port rotation, vessels on order, and vessels removed from the commissioned fleet.
- World Cargo Database (WCD) A proprietary database used for analysing global trade flows, cargo volumes by commodity, and maritime trade patterns. Combines COMTRADE data with MDST techniques for estimating the maritime freight services market.
- End-to-End Container Cost Model (E2ECCM) A model that estimates detailed cost impacts of diverting shipping services and analyses container handling costs from origin to destination through port terminals.
- European Container Port Demand Model A model for forecasting potential demand for container port facilities across European ports, used for analysing port competition and market share trends.
- Ireland Freight Model (IFM) A freight model for Ireland used to demonstrate the potential impact of decarbonisation measures on HGV movements.
- BAF Calculator A web application that allows users to estimate the bunker cost per TEU for container shipping services offered on key global trade lanes. Developed based on a formula originally created for Hapag-Lloyd.
- Forecasts Transport and trade forecasting services using proprietary models and databases.
- Due Diligence Due diligence services for transport and logistics investments and projects.
- Transport Modelling Multimodal freight transport modelling services using the GBFM and other proprietary models.
- Market and Feasibility Studies Market analysis and feasibility study services for ports, terminals, and transport infrastructure projects.
- Public Policy Analysis Policy analysis services for government and public sector clients on freight transport and logistics.
- Capacity Analysis Analysis of transport infrastructure capacity and network constraints.
- Planning Planning services for transport and logistics infrastructure, supporting clients in developing infrastructure plans and strategies.
Quantifiable outcome
- The Great Britain Freight Model contains origin-destination data for approximately 7,000 geographic zones for both road and rail freight.
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use MDS Transmodal
Customer profileNamed customers20 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
MDS Transmodal technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature9 records
MDS Transmodal partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and standard.
- UNCTADcoreJoint development of the Port Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (PLSCI), measuring how well ports are integrated into global liner networks. MDS Transmodal also contributes data to UNCTAD's Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (LSCI). The partnership produces globally recognized port connectivity metrics used by international organizations and industry.
- World BankcoreMDS Transmodal's Containership Databank is among sources for global indicators including Logistics Performance Indicators (LPI) developed in partnership with World Bank. Collaboration on port reform toolkit and trade connectivity analysis for developing economies.
- OECD/ITFcoreJoint development of the Maritime Trade Connectivity Indicator (MTCI) with OECD/International Transport Forum, providing another global benchmark for maritime network analysis.
- Network RailcoreOn-going project to rebaseline the Great Britain Freight Model (GBFM) for Network Rail's freight demand forecasting needs. MDS Transmodal maintains and updates the model, which has been the main freight model in use in Great Britain for 20 years.
- European Union (Horizon 2020)majorMDS Transmodal was part of a pan-European consortium selected for the SENATOR project (Horizon 2020), developing an IT system to increase efficiency of urban logistics through operator collaboration. MDST led the Business Models Work Package and the Exploitation Board.
- West Yorkshire Combined AuthoritystandardCommissioned for international trade and freight analysis to provide evidence on trading patterns and freight transport activity in West Yorkshire.
- SYSTRAstandardWorking in partnership with SYSTRA on review of evidence for potential future demand for battery electric HGVs in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire for Nestrans.
- NIRASstandardContracted by NIRAS consulting engineers to assist with market study and financial/economic evaluation of Mombasa Container Berth Expansion for Kenya Ports Authority.
- GL Hearn and Iceni ProjectsstandardAssociated with GL Hearn and Iceni Projects for Leicestershire Warehousing Study commissioned by Leicestershire planning authorities.
- JacobsstandardCommissioned by Transport for Greater Manchester in association with Jacobs for Greater Manchester Rail Freight Routing Study.
- PortiastandardPartnered with Portia port management consultants for Douala Port Expansion technical assistance to Lebanese investor Karam Trading Holding.
- AtkinsstandardAssociated with Atkins on Revenue Support Freight Grant study for UK Department for Transport.
- SLR ConsultingstandardAssociated with SLR Consulting for Warrenpoint masterplan project.
- Mott MacDonaldstandardAssociated with Mott MacDonald for Port freight hinterland data study for Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
- Mark Grimshaw Smith (Associate)coreAssociate bringing over 40 years of experience in construction materials supply chain and logistics. Non-Executive Director of Logistics UK, sits on Rail & Water Freight Councils.
- Geoff Lippitt (Associate)coreAssociate with 44 years' experience in logistics, shipping, and ports industry. Former Group Commercial and Strategy Director at PD Ports, currently Vice-Chair and Director of Rail Freight Group.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
MDS Transmodal competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Arup: Arup is a global engineering and advisory firm with a transport economics and planning practice that overlaps with MDS Transmodal's work on strategic freight, port, and rail consulting.
- AECOM: AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm with a transport advisory practice that competes with MDS Transmodal on port and freight feasibility studies, transport modelling, and policy advisory work.
- WSP: WSP is a global engineering consultancy with a substantial transport planning and economics practice that competes with MDS Transmodal on multimodal modelling, port master plans, and transport policy work for governments.
- Mott MacDonald: Mott MacDonald is a global engineering consultancy that partners with - and competes with - MDS Transmodal on port freight hinterland studies, transport modelling, and infrastructure investment appraisal.
Emerging players
- Kpler: Kpler is a data and analytics platform for maritime and commodity flows that overlaps with MDS Transmodal's Containership Databank and World Cargo Database, offering real-time and forward-looking trade visibility in a more software-led format.
Direct peers
- Clarksons Research: Clarksons Research provides shipping intelligence, port data, and forecast services to the global maritime industry. Like MDS Transmodal, it maintains proprietary databases on the world fleet and publishes indices widely used by industry.
- CEPA: CEPA is a UK-based economics and policy consultancy with a transport practice that competes with MDS Transmodal on freight economics, transport policy analysis, and regulatory impact assessments.
- Oxford Economics: Oxford Economics is a global forecasting and economic consultancy with a transport and infrastructure practice that competes with MDS Transmodal on freight forecasts, port demand, and economic impact assessments.
- Steer: Steer (formerly Steer Davies Gleave) is a transport planning and economics consultancy that overlaps directly with MDS Transmodal across freight modelling, transport economics, and policy advisory work for public sector clients.
- Drewry: Drewry is a maritime research and consultancy firm that, like MDS Transmodal, provides shipping market intelligence, port and container forecasts, and consultancy for shipping lines, ports, and financial institutions.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
MDS Transmodal social profiles
Digital presenceMDS Transmodal financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MDS Transmodal leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
MDS Transmodal funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MDS Transmodal M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about MDS Transmodal
What does MDS Transmodal do?
MDS Transmodal is a transport economics consultancy that provides strategic advice to government, ports, shipping lines, financial institutions, and other organisations through quantitative analysis and modelling. Its core assets include the Great Britain Freight Model (GBFM), the Containership Databank covering over 6,000 vessels, the World Cargo Database, and specialised freight demand and port demand models, which together underpin services in forecasting, due diligence, transport modelling, planning, market and feasibility studies, public policy analysis, and capacity analysis.
Is MDS Transmodal a public or private company?
MDS Transmodal is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was MDS Transmodal founded?
MDS Transmodal was founded in 1988. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is MDS Transmodal based?
MDS Transmodal is headquartered in Chester, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does MDS Transmodal make money?
One revenue line is on record: strategic Consultancy Services.
Who are MDS Transmodal's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Arup, AECOM, WSP and Mott MacDonald. Kpler is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Clarksons Research, CEPA, Oxford Economics, Steer and Drewry.
Does MDS Transmodal have an API?
No public API is recorded for MDS Transmodal.
What industry is MDS Transmodal in?
MDS Transmodal's product category is Transport Economics Consulting. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAHAOAO, Port Data Exchange / Data Space & Master Data Management (MDM), with a secondary code of TLAEAKAI, Sustainability & Emissions Analytics for Logistics (CO2e, Fuel, ESG). Its NAICS code is 488 and its SIC code is 4700.